Effect of myrtle (Myrtus communisL.) essential oil on oxidant-antioxidant balance in rats with propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism

Abstract

Among today's health problems, metabolic diseases are at the forefront. Hypothyroidism (HT) is a disease characterized by increased TSH, decreased T3&T4 concentrations in serum, with overall metabolic slowdown. Although there are many studies in the literature about oxidative status in HT, statements in these studies are contradictory. In our study, the effect of essential oils obtained from the leaves, flowers, and roots ofMyrtus communisL. on oxidative metabolism in an HT model induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) in rats was investigated. A total of 36 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: (1) Control, (2) PTU, (3)M. communisL. oil 200 (MO 200), (4)M. communisL. oil 400 (MO 400), (5) PTU + MO 200, and (6) PTU + MO 400. In our study, while oxidative status deteriorates in groups given PTU, antioxidant activity increases in groups givenM. communisL. oil. Practical applications Essential oils are aromatic oily liquids derived from different parts of plants.M. communisL. is one of the best-known herbs in the class of aromatic and medicinal plants. This paper emphasizes the effect ofM. communisL. oil on the negative oxidative state that occurs in HT conditions. The present study provides a positive effect of essential oils obtained from theM. communisL. on the oxidative state seen in HT. In light of this information, it may be beneficial to useM. communisL. oil due to its antioxidative effect in HT conditions.